Created by Lauren Lau
B Block, 8th Grade, Head-Royce School





Peru
Official Name (English): Republic of Peru
Official Name (Spanish): República del Perú






Introduction



Peru_flag.gif
Original Peruvian Flag

Peru, located on the southern border of South America, is also one of the largest countries in
Latin America. Known for being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Norte Chico Civilization originated from this Peruvian territory. Peru was also home to the Inca Empire, the largest empire in the pre-Colombian America.After declaring their independence on July 21,1821 from the Spanish Empire, Peru has become a representative democratic republic that is divided into 25 regions. Having the Andes Mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin on the oceanic border that is shared with the Pacific Ocean, Peru also has numerous rivers spreading out across its terrain. Being a ethnically diverse country, the Peruvian population is made up of Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, and Asians.

General Information



Within Peru, the capital and largest city of is Lima. Not only is it the fifth largest city in Latin

America, it has a population reaching 9 million and is located in the central part of Peru. The current
estimated population of the entire country is 29.5 million people and the official and most commonly
spoken language is Spanish with other local dialects frequently used as well. The typical atmospheric conditions in the coastal areas of Peru are a subtropical climate with very little rainfall year round. However, the Andes Mountains possess rainy summers and extremely dry winters. The eastern lowlands present and Equatorial Climate with hot weather and rain that is distributed all year long. Roman Catholicism is the most commonly practiced religion in Peru with many other types of cultural beliefs as well.


Peruvian Rainforest
Peruvian Rainforest

Economy



Although Peru is a development country with a high Human Resources Index score, it has a poverty level of about 36%. According to the 2010 data, the average per capita income is 9,200 US Dollars. The currency of Peru is called Nuevo Sol and its exchange rate to the US Dollar is 2.77 to 1.00. The Its chief economic activities include agriculture, fishing, mining, and the producing of items such as textiles. Its agricultural resources include coffee beans, cotton, asparagus, paprika, artichokes, sugarcane, and numerous other products. Their natural resources entail copper, gold, silver, zinc, lead, fish, petroleum, natural gas, etc. The top three exports of Peru are electricity, natural gas, and oil while the top three industries of Peru are mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication; petroleum extraction and refining.

Petroleum Extraction
Petroleum Extraction
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
Peruvian Nuevo Sol


Government
Alan Garcia Perez (Current President)
Alan Garcia Perez (Current President)





Peru is a presidential democratic republic with a multi-party system; according to the current constitution which
was affirmed on December 31, 1993, the President is the head of state as well as the government. The President
is elected for five years and can only seek re-election after standing down for at least one full term; he also
designates the Prime Minister and the rest of the Council of Ministers. The current President of Peru has been
Alan Garcia Perez since July 28, 2006; the Peruvian government is directly elected, and voting is imperative
for all citizens aged 18 to 70.



Culture

Pachamanca
Pachamanca



The Peruvian ethnicity primarily originates from Amerindian and Spanish culture
and customs, though it also has roots from European, African, and Asian ethics.
Most of the their artistic creations are items such as elaborate pottery, jewelery,
and sculptures. Their buildings are complex while they have numerous
architectural achievements such as Machu Picchu. Peruvian literature is
dominantly colonial with native aspects expressed throughout the writings; the
cuisine of Peru have been strongly influenced by various backgrounds and
environments. Common foods that are served in Peru are ceviche, a lime
marinated seafood dish, and pachamanca an entree that involves mutton and pork.



Tourist Activities and Attractions

There are numerous attractions in Peru such as Machu Picchu, an extravagant architectural monument that is breathtaking, the Nazca Lines which are truly mysterious and historically ostentatious, resembling a labyrinthine, and the Sacred Valley which possesses one of the world's best known hikes. For travelers searching for archeological and Peruvian cultural experience, the Incan Trail is perfect because it includes stunning mountainous landscapes with fascinating forests and jungles on the way. Tourists that love the water can go on a trip across Lake Titicaca where you can immerse yourself in the rural life and small villages that
surround the quiet body of water.

Inca Trail
Inca Trail
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu


One-Day-Itinerary



9:30 a.m. Trek on the famous Inca Trail where archeological and historical treasures are yet to be discovered.

11:45 a.m. Cycle across the hills surrounding Cuzco and delight in the exhilarating views of the Sacred Valley where Machu Picchu is only a couple miles away

2:15 p.m. Mountaineer across the unmatched scenery of the Peruvian Andes where only a few can claim they have been there before

5:45 p.m. Finally, have a Peruvian dinner that includes freshly caught seafood and traditionally cooked dishes

Sofia Mulanovich (Peruvian Surfer)
Sofia Mulanovich (Peruvian Surfer)


Famous Person





Sofia Mulanovich is a Peruvian surfer that was born on June 24, 1983. Not only is she the first
Peruvian surfer to win an Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour Event
but she is also the first South American .ever to win the World Title. And in 2004, she won three
out of the six World Championship Tour events and finished the season as World Champion.
Her main sponsor is Roxy, the clothing and accessories company.


References


http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35762.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia_Mulanovich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6_REdY-Ty4
http://maps.google.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru
http://www.microvention.com/Portals/0/Peru_flag.gif
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pe.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107883.html
http://www.peru.info/en/
http://www.peru-travel-adventures.com/peru-overview.html
http://www.usig.org/countryinfo/Peru.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_Peru
http://www.gapadventures.com/destinations/south-america/peru/?gclid=CPH53pOrvqcCFQEHbAod1lVD_A
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Peru